State-assisted burial for Beitbridge crash victims

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared the tragic head-on collision in Beitbridge, which claimed 25 lives yesterday, a national disaster. Victims of the accident will be accorded State-assisted burials as the nation mourns the devastating loss.

The collision, which occurred near the Lutumba Tollgate at the 21km peg north of Beitbridge town, involved an Urban Connect bus and a haulage truck carrying 34 tonnes of magnesium. The accident is believed to have been caused by an overtaking error by the bus driver. While both drivers survived, they remain in critical condition.

In a statement, President Mnangagwa expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as both horrifying and heartbreaking.

"The death of fellow Zimbabweans in a head-on collision between an Urban Connect bus and a commercial truck along the Beitbridge-Masvingo highway this morning (yesterday), left me horrified and heartbroken," said President Mnangagwa.

"Our nation does not deserve this at all, let alone experiencing such a bloody incident at the beginning of the year. We have to do all that is possible to curb this unjustified loss of life."

The President urged drivers to prioritize road safety and directed all government departments responsible for road safety to intensify efforts to reduce traffic accidents.

"As I express my deepest, heartfelt condolences to families and relatives who have lost their loved ones in this horrific crash, I also heartily and prayerfully reach out to all those injured and hospitalized, wishing them a speedy recovery," he added.

According to Beitbridge district medical officer Dr. Lenos Samhere, 17 passengers died on the spot, while eight succumbed to injuries upon admission at the Beitbridge District Hospital. Fifty-three others were injured, with ten critical cases transferred to Gwanda Provincial Hospital.

"Among the injured are 26 men and 30 women who have varied injuries and are admitted at the hospital," said Dr. Samhere.

Eyewitness accounts describe a chaotic and heartbreaking scene. Mr. Thomas Nhundu, one of the first responders, recounted: "The bus had just overtaken and when we arrived, there were bodies all over the tarmac. The injured were transported to the hospital by the police, other motorists, and various Government agencies."

Another witness, Mr. Leonard Wanderson, said he rushed to the scene after hearing a loud bang. "Most of the passengers sitting on the front seats were thrown onto the tarmac on impact," he said.

Urban Connect Bus Company has pledged US$500 to each bereaved family and expressed condolences to the victims' relatives. The company also promised to assist injured survivors and cooperate with authorities during investigations.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that all victims' bodies had been taken to Beitbridge District Hospital mortuary for post-mortems, and further details will be released in due course.

Residents of Beitbridge showed solidarity with the victims, with some rushing to the hospital to check on relatives or offer material and emotional support. Survivors recounted harrowing experiences, with some waking up on the tarmac surrounded by bodies.

Environmental Management Agency spokesperson Ms. Amkela Sidange assured that the magnesium spill from the haulage truck posed minimal environmental risk.

The Beitbridge-Masvingo highway, a major transit route, has seen multiple accidents over the years. The government's declaration of this tragedy as a national disaster underscores the urgent need for intensified road safety measures.

President Mnangagwa's directive to relevant authorities is expected to lead to stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and initiatives aimed at preventing such devastating incidents in the future.